Chief of Staff, People Strategy & Execution

Zendesk, Inc.; Texas; Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a strategic Chief of Staff to partner with the Chief People Officer and People Leadership Team.

You’ll turn priorities into progress—clarifying strategy, shaping the portfolio, refining operating rhythms, and elevating communications so the People team delivers meaningful outcomes for employees and the business. In this role you’ll lead portfolio management across People initiatives, own planning and budget cadence with Finance, prepare materials for Board discussions,

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business strategy or related strategic role.
• 4+ years partnering with C-suite or senior leaders in Chief of Staff/strategy roles.
• Experience leading enterprise planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience developing executive- and Board-level materials with data insights.
• Budgets, forecasting, or financial planning experience with Finance.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the People team's strategic priorities, annual plans, and operating cadence.
• Lead portfolio management across People initiatives: clarify outcomes, dependencies, risks, and progress.
• Own the People team planning process and budget rhythm with Finance and leaders.
• Drive preparation for Board and executive discussions with clear narratives and materials.
• Plan and facilitate People Leadership Team offsites and action accountability.
• Coordinate People Team All Hands and global engagement moments.
• Collaborate as a member of the People Leadership Team and cross-functional partners.
• Lead high-priority, confidential projects for the CPO from diagnosis to measurable results.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Executive communication

Discretion & judgment

Data-driven prioritization

Stakeholder influence

Ambiguity management

AI planning tools

Job description

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a strategic Chief of Staff to partner with the Chief People Officer and People Leadership Team.

You’ll turn priorities into progress—clarifying strategy, shaping the portfolio, refining operating rhythms, and elevating communications so the People team delivers meaningful outcomes for employees and the business. In this role you’ll lead portfolio management across People initiatives, own planning and budget cadence with Finance, prepare materials for Board discussions,